11 ways to prevent the common cold, flu, and other winter illnesses

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Amol Nayakwadi, joint managing director and preventive healthcare expert, Indus Health Plus, sheds light on 5 common winter diseases –

1. Common cold: A viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract is the common cold. Symptoms include sore throat, cough, sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and sometimes even mild fever.
2. Influenza (Flu): Influenza viruses cause flu, a respiratory disease that is highly contagious. In addition to the common cold, symptoms can be more severe and include fever, sore throat, tiredness, body aches, cough, and congestion.
3. Norovirus: The highly contagious norovirus is the source of gastroenteritis, which manifests as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
4. Bronchitis: Bronchitis, often caused by viruses, causes inflammation of the bronchial passages, leading to a chronic cough, chest discomfort, and sometimes a low temperature.
5. Pneumonia: Many pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause pneumonia, which causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. Cough, fever, shortness of breath and chest pain are among its symptoms.

He suggested the following preventive measures to avoid common diseases occurring in winter –

1. hand hygiene: Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Limit contacts: To prevent the spread of the virus, try to avoid close contact with sick people and try to avoid being around them if you are unwell.
3. Boost Immune System: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables to strengthen your immune system. Get enough sleep and exercise regularly to strengthen your immune system.
4. Maintain good respiratory hygiene: To prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
5. Keep yourself hydrated: Keeping your body adequately hydrated can aid in the proper functioning of your immune system.
6. Annual Vaccination: Get a flu vaccine every year to reduce your chances of contracting the virus.
7. Proper Operating Techniques: To prevent the spread of the virus, wash your hands frequently, try to avoid touching your face, and regularly clean surfaces you touch a lot.
8. Stay home if you are sick: If you are feeling unwell, stay home to stay healthy and prevent the illness from getting worse.
9. Clean surfaces: Clean and sanitize surfaces frequently, especially areas where food is produced.
10. Isolate if you are sick: If you are sick with norovirus, don’t come in close contact with other people.
11. Prevent exposure to smoke: Reduce exposure to air pollutants that can irritate your respiratory system, such as tobacco smoke

They concluded, “Prevention of winter illnesses includes practicing good hygiene, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting vaccinated when recommended, and taking precautions to avoid close contact with sick individuals. These strategies can significantly reduce the risk of falling ill during the winter months. However, it is necessary to undergo regular health checkups to prevent the onset of the disease.